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Feedback: Opening Watertown's Library On Sundays?

Story Published: May 17, 2012 at 5:00 PM EDT

Story Updated: May 17, 2012 at 6:51 PM EDT

Watertown lawmakers hope Flower Memorial Library will be open every day during the week, including Sundays.

"Many communities do offer 7 day-a-week service and I'm glad the library board has endorsed the concept, if we can work out the particulars," said Watertown Mayor Jeff Graham.

Currently the library is only open six days a week, an issue for some people.

"I don't think it's very necessary to have it closed on a Sunday. There is a college nearby and kids have to use the computer," said library user Jesus Flores.

But there's a catch - adding one day to the schedule would require adding two employees at a cost of nearly $90,000.

"When you add staff to any department, it's a prolonged expense that you're going to have to deal with," said Watertown City Councilman Joe Butler.

In addition, adding Sundays would mean the city would have to deal with strict union requirements.

"Since the current employees do not have Sunday hours as a condition of employment, that becomes an issue as well," said Flower Memorial Trustee President Connie Holberg.

Another point, library officials are also looking at adding security after recent issues.

That would be another cost.

The next step comes next week when city council will sit down with library board members and further discuss their options.

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Monday, May 20, 2013
, Watertown, NY

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